with
Author Jessica
Cage
By: S. Donahue
Bibliophile Book Reviews sat down with the lovely, paranormal
author, Jessica Cage. This single mother
of a three year old boy, who is her absolute world, resides in the windy city,
Chicago, Illinois.
BBR: To start out
with, when you are not writing your paranormal novels, what do you like to do
in your spare time?
JC: I love to spend quality time with my son, playing
ninjas. I also love to read and explore
other forms of art. Other times, I just like to hang out with friends doing
semi- physical activities like bowling for example.
BBR: Wow. That’s
really interesting. So tell us, what
kind of person are you?
JC:
I
am deeply Emotional, sentimental, and imaginative. I am the kind of person that
takes things straight to the heart. I try to hide my feelings as best as I can
and channel it into other mediums. I am devoted to being better than what is
expected of me and to creating something that can inspire just one person, but
of course, I am aiming for more.
BBR: When did you
become a writer?
JC: When I was very young, I realized that I could create the
stories that I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed finding out what new worlds and
characters could be born from my own imagination. Writing has been the one
constant thing in my life since that moment. I never saw it as something that I
would ever truly pursue, but I always came back to it.
BBR: Well we hope that you definitely keep it up. What inspired you
to start writing in the first place?
JC: The need for an escape, I wanted to get away from a reality
that I found difficult to deal with. When I really took the dive into
writing/journaling/creating new adventures, was after my father passed away. It
was the only thing that took that sting out of my life. I could close my eyes
and pretend I was someone else, somewhere else. Most of those stories were
about a girl who found out her father hadn’t actually died but was a secret
agent, or a vampire, or some other amazing impossibility. Writing became my
medium for my denial. I was young, afraid of what my life had become, and words
were my cushion, my coping mechanism.
BBR: Sorry to hear about your father.
JC:Thanks, it was my grandmother who really helped me through it. As I watched the hearse pass by my house (I wasn't allowed to go because it was against my father's wishes. I was told he didn't want me to see him that way, he didn't want me to remember him in a box.) But it was my grandmother who told me that no matter what, my father would live on in my heart. And if I nourished myself and loved as hard as I could, he would go on living forever. Those words always stuck with me.
BBR: What do you think your hopes and dreams are?
JC: My hopes and dreams, hmm…to be honest, I’m not sure. They change
every day either grow or just shift. Right now my focus is to start to build
something that will not only spread the word about myself, but also to help
inspire and encourage others to follow their own passions. I love what I do and
for me it is for the enjoyment of it. When you enjoy what you do, well I think
everyone knows that cliché. I want to live, not ‘work’ and that is what I am
aiming for.
BBR: Do you currently have
any books published?
JC: Yes, right now I currently have 5 titles in print (this is not
counting a few that I took down because of an exciting new project) and 4 more
planned to be published in 2014!
BBR: Wow, you are busy. Tell me a little about your first and second
book.
JC: My first book,
Revitalized (The High Arc, book 1) is a YA paranormal/sci-fi mix about a girl,
Alexa, who finds out she is the Queen of an alien race of vampires. It is about
her struggle to accept the truths in her life and step outside of her comfort
zone. Oh and there is a cute guy in it as well.
My second book, Guidance of Rasmiyah (The High Arc, book 2) is a
continuation of Alexa’s story. She is at a point of conflict in her life where
she has some tough decisions to make. Her story shows all the changes that a
woman must go through to find that inner strength. We are not all born
warriors; some of us have to fight for that title.
BBR: Do you have any new
books that you recently published or are in the works?
JC: In 2014 I published the
3rd book to The High Arc series entitled Alexa’s Adytum. This book
branches out to really explore the worlds of all of the women in this story.
They are all at different points in their journey. Their struggles and issues
are different and I really wanted to set the book up this way because each
girl/woman who reads the book will be at a different point in their personal
story/journey. I wanted them all to have someone who they could connect with.
Also on February 15 2013, I published my first work that steps
outside of the world of YA entirely. Last Stop is the story of Josephine, a
woman who has just reached what she thought was the turning point in her life.
New career and awesome things on the horizon, her world is thrown off center
with a shocking revelation bout who she is and what she is meant to do. This is
still paranormal with a twist of romance and a bit of heat. It also has that
same focus and core of women and their own strength.
BBR: Since you are a seasoned writer, Do you ever experience
writer’s block? If so, how do you handle
it?
JC: In general terms, yes,
of course but to me it’s not writer’s block. I have said this so many times, to
me, the moment that I can’t seem to put words on the page, is the moment my
characters are telling me that it’s time to explore other mediums or just spend
some time in the real world with real people. I welcome the “writer’s block”
because it means I get a mini vacay, my fingers get to rest, and I get to come
back stronger in no time at all. Sometimes I miss those other creative passions
so it’s nice to get a chance to spend time away from the written word.
BBR: Have you had any challenges in writing your books?
JC: In writing books, yes! I
had the issue of “The book starts off slow.” That was and still is the most common
comment about Revitalized. I think I have triumphed over that…well, I hope I
have. My biggest challenge in the book world has to be promoting myself. It
doesn’t help that I am an introvert who hates talking about myself (verbally).
I am determined this year to become triumphant over that challenge as well.
BBR: Who is your favorite author?
JC: Right now, I have to say it is Kellee Gilmore. It changes as I
read because honestly, I try not to get too attached to one author, I think it
stunts the receptiveness to new things. But yes, I read and loved Mahogany Sin
and now I actually have the amazing experience of being friends with her! Yes,
I often fangirl and tell her to get me book 2 like yesterday! But it was how
she worked in all these aspects of her story, with the paranormal, the erotica
(hot!), and the locations, it was so well written and it showed me that I could
step into a new genre without walking away from my passion for paranormal. I
have always dabbled with the more erotic word but I was afraid to go really go
there in a book because I wasn’t sure if it would be completely taken away from
Paranormal. Her book showed me that it is completely possible. I just love
being inspired by new authors.
BBR: Do you have any advice
for other authors like yourself?
JC: Writing is easy, being an Author is hard. For me that was a
tough lesson to learn. I love to write and for the most part I started this
journey for that alone, but realizing that I would love to do this more long
term, I have to now become the Author, not the Writer. You have to create your
image, branding, and then be persistent with getting that image out into the
world. Being an author unfortunately isn’t just about what you write (oh how
that would be great) it’s about a total package, and an image. Now, that is not
to say create a fake persona, but to be true to who you are because any
lies/false images will eventually come to light. Readers want to feel like they
can connect, not just with the characters but with the person who created them.
BBR: Do you see this as a career for yourself?
JC: Yes, I didn’t at
first but as I realize how much I love this and how far I want to take this
(branching away from just writing) I see the potential for it to be not only a
career but also a catalyst for something more as well.
BBR: I’m curious when you
read, do you prefer e-books or traditional paper/hardback books?
JC: I don’t read as much as I should, but yes I do. Writers/Authors MUST read, it’s like any industry, if you want to be the best you have to stay knowledgeable about what else is out there. But also because I enjoy it, I started off as a reader and I will stay that way. I love paperbacks! The feel of it is just better than anything. But for convenience I do have a kindle. And because on a long train ride, when you read ‘The End’ on a book (especially in a series) it’s so much easier and faster to start a new one!
BBR: What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
JC: Reviews are important, but should be taken like anything else. We put our work out there, it will be judged. So far, I haven’t received any reviews that were just TERRIBLE. I am cringing now because I feel like I jinxed myself (I do every time I say it). If a review is ‘bad’ yet constructive I say, take note and then move on. If it’s ‘bad’ and just abusive, yes, I feel bad for a moment but then move on. You will be criticized and if you let every negative thing tear you down well… choose another industry. Now of course any ‘good’ review is a cause to celebrate! PARTY!!!
BBR: Oh yes.. A good review is always reason to celebrate. What are your thoughts on social media for marketing and do you think giving books away for free works well?
JC: Social Media is great for networking and connecting, my experience so far…not so great for marketing. But I believe that is more my fault than anything. I am going to be going into a boot camp of sorts to become better at that part of it, but also I am starting to reach out into the physical world as well and spread my name a bit. Never a good idea to stick to one platform, how will you be heard around the world from a soapbox in the corner of Facebook?
As for free books, Yes and No, free books help get your name seen but free book don’t get read. At least when it’s a digital download, it’s a click it and forget it. It goes in the cue along with all the others and it stays there collecting digital dust. If you are looking to rank up for a moment then go for it, but as far as really gaining readers/fans/supporters, I am not sure how effective it is.
BBR: What advice would you give aspiring writers?
JC: Write for you. Don’t aim to be the next (insert name here). I write because these characters and worlds exist in my mind and I change them for no one, not even myself. And yes, this happens so often. I want a character to do or say a certain thing and they refuse. I found that forcing a story to go my way is a sure fire way to end up hating what I write. Be true to your stories and let them flow naturally. To me, it makes for a better read and a better connection. Reading something that was forcefully spit out onto a page to reach a word count, well, that blows.
BBR: Lets end with your favorite quote.
JC: “Your worst enemy is idle time.”
BBR: Is there anything that I haven’t asked that you would like to add?
JC: Well I would like to take a moment just to say thank you for the opportunity to reach a few more readers. I’m completely loving this journey more and more each day, even on the days when I feel like giving up. It’s the readers, the ones who truly love the written word, who keep me pushing forward. I have so many amazing things planned for 2014 and beyond, not just for myself but for others. I truly hope everyone enjoys it all and well…stay tuned.
Jessica, we would like to thank you for taking time out of your
busy day for this interview. It was a pleasure speaking with you and we wish
you all the best in everything you do.
Keep the books coming!!
Shannon
@ Bibliophile Book Reviews
How to find out more about
Jessica Cage, The Author
Website: http://writergirl25.wix.com/jessica-cage-author
Blog: http://jessicaswritersjourney.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jcageauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/writa_jlodi
Lnkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=99938598&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jcageauthor/
US - http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Cage/e/B00CNTUBGO
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jessica-Cage/e/B00CNTUBGO
Smashwords:
Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.)
For my latest release Last Stop (The Sighted Series, book 1)
US - http://www.amazon.com/Last-Stop-Sighted-Jessica-Cage-ebook/dp/B00IGBVESM/ref=la_B00CNTUBGO_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393257460&sr=1-5
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Stop-Sighted-Jessica-Cage-ebook/dp/B00IGBVESM/ref=la_B00CNTUBGO_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393257496&sr=1-7
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4574000.Jessica_Cage
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